On Wednesday, 9th September 2025, Norway will host the state funeral of King Harald V, which is expected to draw an assembly of world leaders. Representing the British Crown at this solemn occasion will be Prince William, the Prince of Wales, as his father, King Charles III, adheres to a long-established tradition of British monarchs not attending the funerals of foreign heads of state. Additionally, Princess Anne, who is the godmother to the newly ascended King Haakon, will be present in a personal capacity.
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In royal circles, it is well-known that British sovereigns rarely participate in the funerals of other nations’ leaders. The late Queen Elizabeth II, throughout her seven-decade reign, attended only one state funeral: that of King Baudouin of Belgium in 1993. Instead, it is common for a prominent royal family member to serve as a representative, which is the role Prince William will undertake during the funeral, scheduled to occur at Oslo Cathedral.
While King Charles remains absent, a significant number of monarchs and dignitaries from across Europe will be in attendance. Among those expected are King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, as well as various royals from Scandinavian countries, including Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf, and Denmark’s Queen Mary and King Frederik. The anticipated guest list reflects the depth of international relations fostered between these royal families.
King Harald, who passed away in the early hours of 28th August at the age of 89, had been hospitalised for nearly two weeks as he received treatment for a rare blood condition. His death prompted heartfelt tributes, including one from King Charles, who expressed his profound sadness on social media. In his statement, King Charles remarked on King Harald’s 35 years of service, highlighting his warmth and humility in steering Norway through moments of change.
The connections among European royal families are often deeply intertwined due to strategic alliances forged in the 19th century. Queen Victoria and King Christian IX of Denmark are particularly notable figures in this rich tapestry of relationships. King Harald and Queen Elizabeth were second cousins, creating a familial link that extends to King Charles and his siblings, as well as to the new King Haakon VIII.
Princess Anne’s attendance at the funeral serves to reinforce these interconnected familial ties. She shares the honour of being a godparent to King Haakon with several prominent royals, including King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden and Queen Margrethe of Denmark. Such connections highlight the longstanding relationships cultivated through marriage and lineage among European royals.
Prince William’s participation in the funeral comes at a particularly eventful time for his family. His eldest son, Prince George, is poised to commence his first year at Eton College, marking a significant milestone as he follows in his father’s illustrious footsteps. This transition represents a notable change for the Wales family, as Prince George will be living away from home for the first time, with his younger siblings continuing their education at Lambrook School.
The decision to send Prince George to Eton has garnered attention, with some royal commentators suggesting that the family might have chosen a more contemporary schooling option. However, Kensington Palace confirmed that Eton was the school of choice, with royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith emphasising the institution’s role in providing a rigorous education for future leaders. A source close to the family noted that Prince George has always expressed a desire to follow his father’s educational path, underlining the importance of tradition within the royal family.
As world leaders gather in Norway to pay their respects and celebrate King Harald’s legacy, the interplay of duty, tradition, and familial bonds continues to define the role of the British royal family on the international stage. Through these moments of grief, the connections that tie royals across Europe extend far beyond mere titles, reflecting a shared history and mutual respect among nations.